Alone this Holiday Week? The Tin Man Always Had a Heart

Lisa Cook is on a mission to support and connect individuals living alone. Living in seven states, she has built new personal and professional networks throughout her career. In 2007, she moved to Minnesota, a uniquely challenging place to make friends. Long winter months alone hibernating inside were boot camp for Covid quarantine. Her deep dive into books to alleviate loneliness revealed a growing nationwide problem with no easy answers. Fast forward to 2020 and pandemic quarantines – increasing loneliness and a social recession are all over the news. Post-covid, there are still no easy answers. Lisa is still working on solutions. Lisa’s venture Plan B Connections links individuals - especially those living alone – through meaningful conversations and volunteerism. Her TEDx talk, “Living Alone, Living Connected,” highlights her efforts to build community in Minnesota. Plan B Connections was recognized by the Southwest Florida Blue Zones Project for enhancing healthy aging and featured in the book How We Live Now by Dr. Bella DePaulo. Lisa has a law degree and a master’s degree in education. A “Jill of many trades,” she has practiced law with the Federal government, launched an innovative online career center serving 50,000 students worldwide, delivered stress management training to government employees impacted by 9/11, and earned a Courage Coin working for the Red Cross on long-term hurricane recovery efforts. Nicknamed “Mother Terlisa” by a friend, Lisa continues to connect people in meaningful ways. She volunteers to teach strength fitness at her local senior center, makes weekly calls to an isolated senior, and runs a pet-sitting exchange to connect her neighbors. In 2025, she will earn her Master’s in Social Work to spend the rest of her career promoting social health and wellness. Her vision is for individuals living alone to feel supported by a community of friends for a friendly ear and a helping hand.